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Date: 2024-01-29
Departure From: Buffelsrivier Riverside Camp
Departure Time: 07h27
Destination Name: Grootvadersbosch
Arrival Time: 13h21
Total Travel time: 5:54 hours
Weather:
Overcast
Departure Temperature: 21C
Peak daytime temperature: 34C
Odometer Reading (km):
Start: 138261
End: 138530
Total Distance: 269
Average Moving Speed: 60.4 km/h
Gravel Distance: 182.7 km
Gravel / Tar Ratio: 67%
Passes Travelled: [15]
Passes Travelled: [15]
Rooinek Pass [Tar]
Perdefonteinpoort Pass [Gravel]
Wasbank Pass [Gravel]
Volstruisnek Pass [Gravel]
Klein Swartberg Pass [Gravel]
Die Outol Pass [Gravel]
Prinsrivier Pass [Gravel]
8. Touwsrivier-Sewefontein Pass [Gravel]
9. Koppie Se Nek/Tolletjie Se Poort Pass [Gravel]
10. Ouberg Pass [Gravel]
11. Langkloof Pass [Gravel]
12. Wildehondskloofhoogte Pass [Tar]
13. Op de Tradouw Pass [Tar]
14. Tradouws Pass [Tar]
15. Moodies Pass [Gravel]
Cooling off in the pool
Camp Sites are great
Trip Summary:
Trip Summary:
I timed my departure to ensure I would reach Laingsburg in time for the retail stores opening at 08h00. The first stop was the hardware store in Laingsburg to buy Genkem glue to glue the soles of my shoes back on. As I arrived at 07h45, I had to wait for the store to open.
At 08h00 it was still closed so I went to the coop that did open at 08h00. I bought my glue.
I headed South on the R323 and turned right onto the gravel road just before the start of the Witnekke Pass
The gravel road was great but the standing up frequency increased due to ruts and pot holes and dry river bed crossings. The gravel passes required a lot of standing up to navigate the tight bends and steep ascents and descents.
I stopped at OK Food in Barrydale to get something to eat, get water and food for dinner tonight. I sat on the pavement to eat my sandwich looking at the lovely church.
I arrived at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve at about 13h00.
The place had been upgraded since my last visit in 2019 and was very nice. If you like walking, trail running or cycling, or just chilling out, it is a place to spend more than one night.
I setup camp and then took a dip in the pool. While drying off at the pool, I noticed a lot of smoke coming from behind the decked camp sites. Before I could even decide who to contact, I heard a fire truck arrive and the firefighters started dousing the fire. Support from the neighbouring farm also arrived to assist.
Barrydale Church
One of the few wet river crossings
Cooling off along the Touws River Farm Road
Lunch in Barrydale
Fire at the Camp
They extinguished it quickly, but the after-work to douse the whole area to prevent a flairup began. Later I chatted to the fire marshall and asked if he found the cause. He could not find any evidence and confirmed this was the 2nd fire in a week with no cause. They suspect arson, but cannot report it as such without proof.
This was the first opportunity I have had on the trip to sit down and narrate the trip. While I was working a couple came over to chat and asked if I had done the hike to see the Redwood forest - "Not yet", I said, "l will try in the morning"
Later another couple came to swim and the wife, Gail, asked about the trip etc. She asked me if I would like to join them for a Curry dinner. She does trail running. Unfortunately, I had already eaten so I did not need more food.
Updating the WEB Site
Campsite with decking area
Soles glued back onto my riding boots
The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is part of Cape Nature and accepts Wildcards. It has undergone a lot of improvement since my previous visit on my 2019 travels. This is a nature reserve and has many hikes and bike trails. The campsites are great along with very well maintained ablusions. The swimming pool is great with benches and tables with electricity. Each camp site is well equipped with braai, water, electricity and work area. There are also more upmarket camp sites with decks, kitchen, braai and seating. They also offer glamping with is another level higher with private jacuzzi, kitchen, bathroom etc. It is a great place to spend more than one night, however cell phone reception is very poor and you need to stand on the eastern side of the camping area to get some form of signal.
The Route:
The Route:
Landmarks travelled passed:
Lainsburg
Montagu
Barrydale (Route 62)
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